Israeli Army Introduces Unmanned Bulldozers

IDF Engineering Corps Makes Technological Advances

(Source: Israel Defense Forces; issued Sept. 26, 2011)

The Engineering Corps is completing an extensive project to equip unmanned bulldozers with autonomous capabilities to carry out specialized tasks.

In recent years, the corps has made numerous technological advances, including the addition of bulldozers with special protection systems, including missile defense. The corps has also developed advanced systems to safely enter dangerous areas, particularly minefields.

"Most of the developments already exist at some stage or another in the corps," said Brigadier General Moshe Sheli, the outgoing head of the Engineering Corps. "Now we are investing in increasing knowledge about the systems with a training day to which regular service and reserve soldiers were invited."

Brig. Gen. Sheli revealed that the corps has produced several new bridges that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the corps during war.

While some of the new systems have already been incorporated by the corps, the main innovations will be adopted within the next two to three years.

"The corps is now a completely different place and I hope that, following the absorption of the new weaponry, it will be even better in the future," said Brig. Gen. Sheli.